Manuka Honey Uses and Benefits

Many people know the basics of how bees make honey but few people realize that there is a miracle honey known for its amazing healing properties and its amazing nutritional value. This honey goes by the name of Manuka Honey. But just what exactly is Manuka Honey? This miracle honey is unique to the New Zealand region and this honey is made by bees that visit only one type of flower rather than many different flowers. Manuka Honey is produced from the pollen of the Manuka or Tea Tree (Leptospermum scoparium).

Manuka Honey has long been used to treat a variety of issues and it has been shown to possess a range of health benefits when used internally or externally. What makes it so special? The answer lies in the actual composition of the honey itself. All honey contains some healing properties and antibacterial properties, which is why honey is the only food on earth that will not spoil. However, regular honey that has been processed and cooked and sold in most stores does not have the healing power that Manuka has. Manuka with healing properties has a high level of a powerful antibacterial agent known as the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF). This honey is the only known source of this antibacterial agent and it is not found in any other honey sources on earth. Both UMF and non UMF honeys appears the same in regards to the look, taste, and consistency so the only way to know the honey has the UMF properties is through lab testing, which has to be noted on all labels and packaging. Highly active Manuka Honey is thought to be up to 30 times the antibacterial power of generic store bought honey.

According to the Manuka Honey Hub website, The New Zealand Manuka Honey is rated on a four-tier system as follows: 0-4 UMF means there is no UMF and the honey is normal, 4-10 UMF earns the honey a label of ‘maintenance quality’ and is used as a mild antibacterial treatment agent, 10-15 UMF means the antibacterial agent is present in greater levels and can be used for its healing properties, 15+ UMF will earn the honey a ranking of super healing and can be used to treat a wide range of internal and external ailments.

These higher levels of UMF makes the honey a great aide for treating many common ailments and illnesses. The higher the UMF rate the stronger the antibacterial properties the honey has. The wonder honey Manuka has many applications and uses including:

Manuka Honey has been shown to help with a variety of skin issues and conditions including eczema, dry skin, psoriasis, acne, and mild allergic reactions. Applying the honey directly to the skin or using it with bath wash or in a tub of warm water can also provide relief.

This Wonder Honey is a great ointments to use for burns and wound care and helps speed up healing when the UMF value is greater than 15. It helps kill the bacteria and keeps infections at bay.

Manuka Honey for wound treatment helps promote faster healing times, reduces the chance of scaring, and better skin growth and appearance. While applying the honey directly to a wound is the best way to use it, washing with the honey and soap can also prove beneficial for cleaning wounds.

High grade Manuka Honey is wonderful for skin care and helps with mild injuries such as blisters, sunburns, scrapes, and other minor issues. The Manuka Honey benefits are even more amazing when you consider that natural honey has no risk of creating antibiotic resistant bug strains when used, even every day internally or externally.

This miracle honey has been shown to be excellent in treating throat, mouth, and stomach problems. Manuka Honey can be taken internally easily by adding a spoonful to teas and other hot drinks or simply taking a spoonful once a day.

Ongoing research is investigating the potential that Manuka Honey to help with conditions like high cholesterol, heartburn and IBS, control of diabetes, curing fungal infections, boosting the immune system, and even helping with headaches, PMS, muscle aches, and many other common disorders.

We have personally used Manuka Honey in our household to cure a bad diaper rash in our infant and as a natural antibiotic ointment for scratches and small wounds.

Photos Courtesy of

Manuka Honey- return2health.net

Bee in flower- manukahoneydiscount.co.uk

Manuka Honey Soap- australiansoap.com

Spoonfull of honey- xciss.com